[Thermalseeker]

So, how do you determine where the 'up' and 'down' areas are based on the cloud orientation??

Primarily the wind direction and the lay of the land. Here in SE Tennessee we get wave in a variety of directions off the Cumberland Plateau. The highest altitude gains, and the current TN state altitude gain record of 17,400', are in the NW wave, although it's also the most turbulent to get to and it's usually blowing stink on the ground when it sets up. The South wave is much more docile, with almost no ground wind, but not nearly as high as the NW wave. What you have to avoid is the areas between the waves, most notably between the downwind side of the primary wave and the upwind side of the secondary wave. If you know the wind direction it's not hard to predict where the up's and down's will be.

[GoldCountryRedneck]

Primarily the wind direction and the lay of the land.

Thanks Thermal. Yours, and with the response from another FReeper, provided much in the way of de-mystifying (no pun!) the phenomena

I'll still give 'em wide leeway tho'...

I as I told cpd,I've considered glider training and have taken a few rides up in Napa. Thing is, there's no such thing as a 'missed approach'!

Thanks again!